LIVE!! The Lovin' Spoonful "Do You Believe In Magic" ~ 1965

Released in '65 this was a major hit for the Spoonful.
Recorded at the Moulin Rouge in Hollywood on the Strip.
It was a great time to be alive, I lived it...
What a fukn blast we had..and the music at the clubs was outrageous!

[@danielgoodaker3773]

People nowadays don't realize the level of talent that we had on the music scene from 1964 thru 1972 or so. It was authentic and beautiful. The Spoonful were a prime example. Oh, to live those times again!

[@jimmykarlsson2567]

To be honest i always felt that the most important 10 years of music was between 1963 and 1973, ALOT happened between those years

[@joelewing4498]

I'm BEGGING any of those 3 girls at 1:22....if you're still breathing air and happen to hear my plea.....PLEASE write / comment. Or....anybody that might know or be related to them. I realize they'd be pushing mid-70's to maybe 80 yrs. old now. Hell, I'm 67 here in 2021, and was in 5th grade in '65 when this show was live. I LOVED this tune back in my youth....LOVE it now. God Bless our Beautiful American gals....jbeinarizona

[@scambaiter300c]

This song is fire🔥

[@jeffcarroll1990shock]

The burning!

[@RangerGamin47]

AUGH TOO MUCH FIRE TOO MUCH

[@dbeaus]

Sitting in a mud hole somewhere in Northern South Vietnam when this song come on my little transistor radio. For a couple of minutes I was back in Chicago, the sun was shining and all was well. I felt a little surge of energy. Thanks John, sometimes I believe you don't realize the effect your music can have.

[@13lonewolfe]

I hear ya brother. Thanks and welcome home.

[@MrDaveo98]

Thank you so much for your service! Your comment brought tears to my eyes, thinking of how so many sacrificed for the freedom I enjoy today.

[@eddietucker3334]

@@MrDaveo98 1966-67. An amazing time in the jungle.

[@gsharp1953]

Times sure change.. sitting in my apartment lounge in Da Nang Vietnam listening to this on YT...

[@dbeaus]

@@gsharp1953 Yeah, well we didn't get to see the cities much and although I was on the Da Nang base, never got to the town. It would be interesting to see some then and now pictures. I have heard that the younger kids call it their grandparents war and don't talk about it much. How do they feel about Americans? When I was there they didn't really hate us but they couldn't understand why we were there. Neither did I. Do you ever get out to the countryside? I spent lot of time SW of Da Nang but I don't remember any cities, mostly hamlets and tiny towns. We orientated ourselves by the Firebases, mine was LZ Center and I couldn't tell you where it is unless I had a map of the Firebases. I wish only the best for the Vietnamese and their future. Stay safe. PS, you can look up LZ center on you tube.

[@GeoffreyGentryMusic]

I appreciate the fact that the false start was left in. It proves they're human and the performance was the real deal.

[@JRS-iq9pz]

Not sure who screwed up at the start. Maybe the drummer?

[@Racoldgin]

Pretty sure that was scripted in.

[@MichaelTegio]

JJ Bonneville They’re playing live for sure - the TAMI and TNT shows were all live.

[@MichaelTegio]

JRS2623 It looks like the drummer, Joe Butler, hit the snare too early in the intro - Zak takes the blame immediately, I guess for comedic relief haha

[@grace0336]

Everything was so simple back then

[@stlev99]

I was a huge Spoonful fan back then... And now

[@kevinfitzpatrick8088]

The chicks pumping the beat at 1.23. Zal being Zal great stuff !!

[@stevenspenneberg7407]

I was NOT expecting such a rock in’ version of this song.

[@patrickburke7712]

Me neither. It blows me away!

[@danstevenson6612]

Please help me remember. Is there any other version of this song?

[@elfiecrystal955]

I love reading all your beautiful comments - thanks each and everyone.

[@Kelly-nm4kw]

Hello Elfie, How are you doing?

[@BisharpnearOhio]

I mean, I’m only here to see if ppl are here cuz of pyro

[@MSYNGWIE12]

No it's not The Monkees, THIS IS THE REAL STUFF! No let's find a British guy to front... John Sebastián was at WOODSTOCK FRIENDS, they still put a smile on my face, the tye dye I can live without! But for those who haven't seen him, check out his Woodstock gig, great band...Namaste

[@youngmindedman]

I loved then and even now at 81.

[@jamie1707]

God love you Percy! I hope I can say the same when I'm 81.

[@elfiecrystal955]

Me too - at 71. Still living the vibe - if it is true don’t let it go.

[@robosueu]

The Spoonful were a special group and Sebastian one of the great songwriters of his time

[@bjbell52]

Considering that Zal was once in a group that consisted of half of what would become The Mamas and Papas.

[@elfiecrystal955]

I am just tuning into The Lovin Spoonful again - what sweet happiness

[@julianlawrence1648]

Big sound for a four-piece. I DO believe in magic now!

[@tangobango9653]

The greatest time to be alive & I was a healthy, happy teen at the time. Miss those days.

[@LACraig621]

Are you serious? The 60's was the worst decade in America's history except for the the 1860s. The Vietnam war in it's beginning stages. We just lost JFK, MLKs death in a couple years after this show. Blacks couldn't vote in the south and Jim Crow was alive and well. Drugs were pouring in the USA at alarming rate. Kids were dropping out of school. Etc.....wake up!

[@mrb4886]

@@LACraig621 Thanks Mr. Downer.

[@hotpinkyratso]

@@LACraig621 Being in high school and college was a blast in the sixties and early seventies.

[@normanhowell3994]

You were a teen in65?

[@cma1705]

Oh the wonderful wonder John Sebastian

[@chadlpnemt]

Joe Butler certainly had trouble with his drums that performance. He missed the first beat, then at the very end his cymbal tilted all the way towards him, lol. Awesome, love live performances.

[@kirkjohnwiggle]

I got to here by queuing "Summer In The City" of course (hot town, Summer in the city, back of my head getting dirty and gritty), and the who doesn't BELIEVE in magic? Thanks for the memories . . . . .

[@barbarapineda1660]

I'm a baby boomer,a blk woman I remember.in those days.wow a handsome man.the eleven spoonful.these guy had the girls.sceaming for them.wow just like the beatles,and others artists.

[@jacksloan3997]

What a great tune John Sebastian, yet 'Ziggy' made it happen, watch the guitarist

[@kirk4086]

This song live, is sooooo much better!!!!!!!!!!! It's sooooo real!!!!! Alive!!!!!

[@danielmesery2904]

Another good band from the 60s ....

[@mmpapaya8575]

I'm 21 and normally don't like 60's music. But my grandma who is 68 had their cd and I listened to them since I was a kid. The lovin spoonful will always be an exception

[@artprince9163]

Daydream and Summer in the City have similar effect on me. Great great band and songs. Sebastian was a genius songwriter.

[@valg4510]

Love how The Lovin Spoonful's audience was exactly the kind you would have seen in The Beatles

[@Hungry_Hunter]

I like the bit of feedback just at the end when they finish the song it's just so real and fairdinkum.

[@MyRobertallen]

Adoring teenage fans say it all: 'Believe in the magic of a young girl's soul ....' Great, great rock band. Fine performance of Desert Island rock song. Drummer on fire.

[@patrickburke7712]

Joe Butler and Ringo Star both pounded the drums as hard as they possibly could. It's really cool to watch.

[@stevanaldape3424]

1:22 those girls really feeling the music I’m digging their vibe.

[@comicus6769]

I love the guy sitting behind them and you can just hear his parents before: I don't care what you don't want to do young man, you're gonna take your sister to that concert.

[@jorgeestomba9888]

I never get tired of hearing this song = MASTERPIECE !!

[@constantdarkfog49]

John Sebastian really rocked out a great sound with the loving spoonful. He had a really special sound.

[@JosephScott-ct9sw]

Musician Fritz Richmond influenced Sebastian and McGuinn, and Sebastian influenced McGuinn, to wear granny glasses, which then influenced all the Beatles at one point in '66, and Lennon stuck with them. Richmond thought of the name "The Lovin' Spoonful."

[@tomcarr4630]

The drummer was smoking that shuffle! (Hope he had another cymbal stand).

[@davidstovall8573]

One of the very few songs that brings tears to my eyes. I'm almost 64 and I want to be young again but what can you do? Reminiscing is all but it's better than nothing , lol.

[@patrickburke7712]

I understand what you're saying but try to realize that when you're 94 you'll look back 64 as a pretty good age to be. 😅 I hope you enjoy ALL your years.

[@eraliaa3219]

Very Motown "tune". Love it.

[@pattibrooks1907]

Love 60s music ! I am 65 and was born in 1956 ! I love 60s 7os music the very best ! I love all kinds and types of music but really love 60s music and love the 60s group Loving Spoonful ! Very nice video !

[@MSYNGWIE12]

Do your joints ache! I suppose every generation loves their music, "the best bands..., " we from the post-war??? Sadly no "post" about it really- but the music never faded away, it just got better and better! These guys still put a smile on my face- can't dance- get dizzy! I love John Sebastián songs- my keyboard insists on the accent- Zal was Canadian though, I think? I still adore "hairy guys". What a day for a day dream and maybe buying CDs, I think they DO sound better- hi from A Real Hippie, we aren't all extinct or " yuppified " greed-mongers out to destroy the climate, and yes I still intend to go to an anti- war rally- that's a " dream " we honestly thought guys like these and JIMI HENDRIX could fix- naive weren't we? Namaste from, hon where did you leave the Voltaren! Canada

[@MSYNGWIE12]

Patti, I forgot to ask you- do you think they chose the girls near the front, you know, the "prettiest ones" - a very, very, famous model ( not Twiggy) of that era, said in the early 80's girls were getting better looking- Accutane for your pimples, taller, etc- I wonder what she thinks now when she sees lips like rubber tires and eyebrows like Groucho Marx and breasts you could literally balance a sheet set on, in the zipper plastic "case" - I am all for plastic surgery but discreetly used- and not to look like somebody else- just curious, these young women ALL are so pretty- remember that song by Janis Ian - At Seventeen, about plain or in my case, homely girls- I saw her last week, Janis at 80 ! Someplace on Google- she still looks good! Namaste off to the Dalai Lama for some self esteem- yes I became Buddhist and vegetarian back in those Swinging Years- ouch, shoulder doesn't like this, carpel tunnel up top, well wrists too from all the clothes I made on my loom ! That IS a lie- I was awful at weaving and only spent 1 glorious summer on a commune- I must say, THAT BOYFRIEND DIDNT FIND ME UGLY- my nasty mother said upon seeing him for the first time" boy is he handsome ( hair below shoulders-which she didn't like - but, yes, he was gorgeous, lived in Montreal then- she said, after flirting with him, to me, happily " in love" at 17, "how did YOU, GET A GUY LIKE THAT?" Yes, she MEANT it- then she got embarrassed and tried to apologize- you cant- I am still in therapy, yep, never had flower children, too afraid it was " in the genes" she made my life pure hell, she lived to near 100, I guess I loved her- a very complicated emotion, love- isn't it- I did marry a very nice guy, not a hippie and she loved him but she remarked to my "just as critical grandmother- " good thing he's so kind because he's an odd looking duck" I just remembered that- my therapist says she was probably a Borderline and jealous and in need of treatment and drug rehab- sorry, I won't bother you again- I remained a recluse after the worst of covid- haven't seen my hairstylist in near 3 yrs and although plain I am vain about grey hair- my iconic Older Woman is Vivienne Westwood! Now she's got her head screwed on right ! If you want to "bitch" I'll listen or chat about the last book you read or music! I live for music! Who was your favorite group? I really am sorry about bending your ear- off to Tom Waits and dear, Marianne Faithfull- yes, I first saw her about age 13 and got my first girl crush, I still remain her number 1 fan lower octaves and wrinkles- she has class, courage, wit, warmth and talk about having injections for a perfect mouth- her's is real but I always wanted to look like her - Namaste- I'M GONE FOR GOOD THIS TIME. THANKS FOR "LISTENING" IF YOU DID- I appreciate kindness....

[@unamckillen7125]

This one unites my late mum and my son. It is a hard one not to like. We all want that magic.

[@dwainbivens80]

It takes a special frontman to make autoharp sexy. Such a great and totally authentic performance. Actually live!

[@Lazurini1]

One of the greatest pop songs of all time performed brilliantly live. Fantastic, underrated group.

[@anelissastanibol5417]

these dudes play their instruments with the ease and enthusiasm of a two year old enthralled with a spinning top.

[@lawrencefeldman7744]

Poetic and whimsical comment. Their music had a joyful cosmic vibe rarely duplicated. All three albums are essential. They also made great soundtrack lps for two unwatchable movies in 1966-7. What's Up Tiger Lily? (Woody Allen). Also,"You're A Big Boy Now" ( Francis Ford Coppola). All worth owning.🎙️📻

[@rons5319]

One of the best songs ever and one of the best times to live. I can feel that time in this. Back then in 1966 California had less than 20 million people, not the crowded 40 million of now. And a regular house in Southern Cal cost only $17,000, not not the overpriced ripoff $500,000 of today. Then only one parent had to work to afford the California dream, and few were on welfare. I just read Lloyd Holiday's Amazon book The Cost of a Thing, and he really took me back to the great times and music of 1960s California when he was growing up. I wish I could go back and see Mom and Dad and the others. I wish we could all go back. It really was "magic" to be there then.

[@wildbill5670]

democrats destroyed California.

[@clarkhowell8267]

You can thank Dumbocrats for destroying your little paradise there. Feel stupid now?

[@ajksa1744]

Ron S, beautifully expressed what many of us wish for. Let's hope we can still find some new "magic".

[@dmongosa]

Lol...Republictards always feel the need to preach their politics when the rest of the us are just here to enjoy some lovin'

[@youngmindedman]

I really miss those Great old days.

[@MichaelSmith-jw8qw]

it was a special time to be young, that is why so many folks look back on it as so wonderful--the world did feel different and fresh

[@patriciagullickson9591]

Michael Smith my father and mother said same thing....and their parents said same thing to them,etc,etc.... every generation said same thing............ nothing New

[@D45VR]

but it is new to each generation when they feel it... that is a very cool thing

[@JeevesReturns]

Michael Smith I remember being a kid in the late 60s and this type of music was the anthem to my weekends and summers.

[@billkeon880]

the early-mid 60's were like an explosion unlike any other generation. It was coming out of the 50's repressive conservative cultural and religious values (red scare, McCarthyism, racism, parental angst over teens). A young president with aspirations for the moon (literally) and the Beatles musical and fashion explosion and pop art movement. Teens finally had not just their own music, but a political voice. They thought they could actually change the world immediately fighting against racism, the Viet Nam war. That's what was so exciting. You are right, every generation has it's youth movement, but no previous generation had any significant voice for youth - the early 60's is what started it all off and it was so new and exciting.

[@VisionaryCompanion]

Then all the changes were fully in place, and we got into the mess we are in now.

[@raddmann336]

Yes I believe in magic. Magic was listening to songs like this in the 60's.

[@glynstimpson]

One of my favourite songs and groups of the 60s

[@veekatore8983]

You just have to love it. This was my 1st music. My older sister would buy records and it was something we shared. She later worked for the city's only concert company and major FM radio station. I got to see so many artists of the 60s-80's. Why I became a drummer also it came natural to me whereas guitar not so much..lol We came close a few times. But here is where Val is 100% in before he started to dislike the fame and would mock performances and this is when it was magic. Thanks John, Joe, Steve and yes Val, RIP ...

[@richardorelup2405]

I can't describe how good this song has always made me feel. Rock and roll keeps you young (I'm 66 ) and the music is still in me.

[@joelewing4498]

+Richard Orelup: Right on....brother. I'm 66 atm (2021), and have ALWAYS loved this tune. It's a "desert island" tune for sure for me. Love this live version......dig the heavier bass sounds coming thru.

[@reinacoffee8557]

I was 11 in 1965 and I still believe in magic.

[@petermusson8827]

Takes me back to a wonderful time of being 17 and loving all the new music....what a time!

[@richardschaefer4807]

I am so glad I grew up with this music. I feel so sorry for today's young people addicted to their glowing screens and no decent music with a beat.

[@chasbodaniels1744]

Or conversely, ONLY a beat plus some wailing. I suspect every generation complained: “Don’t you kids know any niiice songs?” (Frank Zappa, “Joe’s Garage”)

[@RoyFive]

This is my favorite song of all time, bar none. Zally's solo in the middle was one of the best things about it.

[@chasbodaniels1744]

Yes, that solo is forever etched in my pea brain. Simple, tasty, melodic.

[@dougsmith7083]

They were pretty much done when Zal was forced out. He was the band member who "painted outside of the lines" His solos and, distinctive sound/style may not have been technically or, aurally sound...but, they were very distinctive to the Spoonful's sound. His tone here is technically terrible...but, no other guitar player or, guitar part would work so wonderfully. And, he had such a great presence and personality...he's kinda like a weed smokin, folk turned rocker, Big Bird...

[@robertacuttler8523]

Great song l loved it

[@marvinwatkins8889]

Girls back then as so often now would scream at and for almost any act. The Spoonful's blowing the opening made them even more "cute," groovy, and endearing.

[@outtathyme5679]

Zal rocking the house

[@jorgeestomba9888]

One of the great groups , they truly were magic !!! Zack was special and John Sebastian a genius !!!!

[@ralex3697]

Zal not Zack

[@mcjoliaus9739]

The only reason this makes me a little sad is because it is the magical sound from a thrilling era, human spirit abandoning the cruel reality by conjuring happiness through innocent lyrics and boppy melodies. By 2001 the whole world lost its innocence.

[@guinness77100]

My how the magic of a young girls heart has been changed from 1967 to 2018.

[@Sleepstatemusic]

As a musician, this songs speaks to me on such a deep level. Music is truly magic, it can save your life, free your soul, and make you dance all your worries away. The magic is in the music and the music is in me. I believe in magic.

[@richardschaefer4807]

Music truly was magic back in the day...The magic is sure as hell gone these days.

[@daleharapat4440]

Happiest song ever written...Still has plenty of magic....... Another equally happy uplifting song were the Bellamy Brothers "Let Your Love Flow."

[@sandicurry5393]

I graduated in 1966, and this was one of the good ones. God, the energy we had back then . WOW

[@garynewman264]

Hey Sandi ... I graduated in 1966 as well ... So much to say ... I'll just leave it at _nice to meet you._

[@sheilaganung966]

Love this. I teach in a residential treatment center. My kids think that if somebody makes a mistake, hit them, I use this to show kids how you can laugh at yourself, help each other, just go forward. Kids love it

[@unamckillen7125]

Yes they do. It is the only song my impossibly cool child picked out from my collection. It is universal.

[@philiptucci2458]

great song

[@user-ws6bo8tp2l]

Wow, TF2 is so old.

[@robertwallace5235]

Back in the day, we all believed in magic. Guess how many babies were conceived way back then. I have one of them My girl Ellie. susie

[@johntechwriter]

Their music was infused by the joy of being young and alive at a time when everything was possible.

[@kirnpu]

Yes!

[@mottledbrain]

What fun! They actually performed this live and had SO much fund doing it. Thanks for sharing this gem. - Reg.

[@jcc2c22]

One of the genuine live performances from this Era that you'll ever see. Almost every single one of the others is lip sinked.

[@sophieamy2320]

They always look like they're having fun. I love it when bands are like that.

[@jsinitials1488]

I like how they overcame a false start with good humor, And they actually play their instruments, unlike other bands on TV back in the 60's.

[@sophieamy2320]

Do you mean like The Monkees, because that wasn't their fault; it was Don Kirshner's. [Not trying to be mean or anything; I just LOVE The Monkees]. Peter was actually friends with the Lovin' Spoonful!

[@jsinitials1488]

If you watch KZbin videos of 1960's LIVE tv shows (American Bandstand, etc) featuring rock bands, you will notice most bands have unplugged electric guitars.

[@sophieamy2320]

Yep, that's true. Mind, barely any singers now actually play an instrument and sing-most just sing.

[@blondwiththewind]

@@jsinitials1488 ... Most bands in the sixties PREFERRED to play their music live....but the media execs wanted to do the recorded music. Sound technology was not so good for "live" shows then.....and no company wanted someone to make an un-planned ad-lib socio-political statement during "on-air" time......and LOTS of the bands then were very big political activists. The producers of the programs, the executives of the "Big Three" TV networks, and the supporting advertisers were the reason many programs were performed to "canned" music. If you watch closely.....lots of the bands you see "performing" to canned music back then also were actually making fun...or just going through the motions of being on TV and looking bored....they didn't like "lip synching" at all. The Doors and the Rolling Stones weren't going to be given a second chance after what they did on the Ed Sullivan show, either. They wouldn't even let Elvis be filmed for TV "below the waist"....'cause apparently his "moves" were deemed to be "too sexual and provocative" for TV audiences. Pretty tame stuff per the times that were to come.

[@johnmitchelljr]

A great band being live and real. What a concept. I also lived (still do) in L. A. And driving to downtown to Shrine Hall Saturday night to see Fleetwood Mac, Frank Zappa, B B King Blue Cheer Buffalo Springfield I would'nt trade this for anything. Thanks for the video. Lloyd Thaxton.

[@wrinkleintime4257]

I never knew a real band played this song haha What a vintage bop! ^^

[@kevinlarkin9294]

What a great time to be a teenager!! Lovin spoonful, byrds, etc, etc, A wonderful time. The song says it all...

[@patriciaribaric3409]

Being alive at the time this song came out was magical.

[@robertnesfield6321]

It really really was!

[@dezziwood555]

I was 14 years old when I saw the lovin spoonful. I had a 1962 Fender Jazz bass and had a garage band back then. I still love this band and still play bass in rock bands, The 1960's was such an exciting time in music!

[@ARIZJOE]

Original songwriting. A wonderful group sound. An autoharp on the charts with the Beatles. Great.

[@edforeman6401]

My first concert- The Spoonful & Spanky & Our Gang (in Brooklyn). Very grooovy!

[@chuckjls]

The autoharp comes from their folk music roots.

[@shuroom57]

@@edforeman6401 Spanky and Our Gang - legends. They appeared, blew us all away with fantastic hits and vocals, then just started dropping like flies. But wasn't that the pattern back then.

[@garyechols9458]

This song was written by Boyce and Heart.

[@ARIZJOE]

@@garyechols9458 Mr. Sebastian wrote about "jug band music." Boyce and "Hart" were on "Bewitched."

[@PAKiller1]

Love the line, And We’ll Go Dancing baby then you’ll see, how the Magic’s in the music and the musics in me

[@1Carrice]

I was 7 years old..one sister 12, brother 17.....I remember this well

[@dianebranning3438]

6=11=2020 coronavirus pandemic lockdown playlist THANK YOU FOR THE MUSIC!

[@Kelly-nm4kw]

Hello Diane, How are you doing?

[@iangarrard390]

Probably the happiest song ever.

[@flemingcourt]

Amongst.

[@chasbodaniels1744]

John B. Sebastian and Zal Yanovsky had great musical energy.

[@BisharpnearOhio]

Depending on the context…

[@KMK7355]

50 years ago...wow!!! Like this song still and I turn 60 in February.

[@w.rustylane5650]

I was in junior high when this song came out. A friend taught me how to play it on a guitar. Too bad he blew his mind out on acid. He was a great guitar player. Last I heard he, Alan Joyner, was in a mental hospital.

[@B1jujv75]

I grew up listening to this i am truly blessed :)

[@charlesmiller1487]

An awesome group & an even more awesome song!! Oh what fun we had back in the day!! :-) This is what Rock & Roll was about ...

[@joaomanoelkormann7032]

(Happiness 60s mmmppphhhh mmmppphhh noises)

[@SHARKFIN516]

LIFE ISN'T ALWAYS MAGICAL BUT I MUST ADMIT SOMETIMES IT JUST IS..I THINK THERE REALLY IS A GOD

[@bradyblair1234]

ONE OF THE BEST OF THE 60'S AND THE BEST TIME TO BE ALIVE AND YOUNG....

[@kirnpu]

You are SOOOOO right!

[@Voltaire1955]

I recently learned while watching John Sebastian's Loving Spoonful Hits for guitar, that his song's inspiration was Martha and the Vandella's 1963 hit, "Heat Wave." Same ascending chord idea-but sped up.

[@SteveGuion]

Damn! The sound of Zal's guitar on that solo is just killer. There is just so much adrenaline coming off that stage. I could watch this video all night.

[@1061andy]

what an uplifting tune - the magic's in the music and the music's in me....perfect lyrics

[@duanefogle1666]

ONE OF THE MOST ABSOLUTE VERSATILE GROUPS OF AT LEAST DURING THEIR YEARS!! EACH OF THEIR NEW SONGS WAS A BEAUTIFULLY DIFFERENT SOUND AND TOPIC!! ALL BEAUTIFUL!!

[@charlielaudico3523]

I love those early guitars! Great sound and the old reliable tube amps!

[@ArkyMalarkey]

Those old tube amps were (and are) great, but back in the early sixties, people weren't particularly fond of the distortion they produced at high levels. So the Standel Company came up with clean sounding solid state (transistor) amplifiers like the one Zal Yanovsky's using in this video. Nevertheless, Zal, a notoriously loud player, managed to drive even this clean machine into distortion, and you can hear it feeding back at the end of the song. A small taste of things to come when a few years later, the Who, Hendrix and Clapton decided to crank their amps to the max.

[@Susie196921]

On any gloomy day just listening to this can perk you up! Love the spoonful!

[@iamfreebish]

Other than the Beatles, my favorite group. I can't believe that I was 16 when this son was popular.

[@martinhyizna3299]

If only i could go back in time....

[@SteveDratwa]

WHAT A COOOOOL stage act at beginning..LOVE IT

[@angusmcpherson8599]

What a great group. No pretensions, just talent pure and simple, their music always left you feeling great! I only wish the put out more music.

[@ricksbulbs]

Great tune! my neighbor up the street ALWAYS had this playing whenever we were visiting, as well as Norman Greenbaum's "Spirit in the Sky", and those were some of the bast times--I was just a little kid then--about 5 or 6 maybe. One thing--did you notice at the end the drummer's cymbal tilter on the 16" crash he was using as a ride loosened up and the cymbal fell down? Those old cymbal stands were fragile, because a 16" crash isn't that heavy! As a drummer I noticed it the instant it happened--been there, done that!

[@zbestwun2001]

Good eyes!!

[@ALANER777E]

[@TheMkarr]

All stands sucked then. We all had them fall & tilt. Thanks for reminding all the drummers of that age, how hard it was. Wind was the common destroyer.

[@mindymironov9452]

ricksbulbs N

[@stellaercolani3810]

Yes I believe in beautiful magic.

[@barryrsmith70]

The Spoonful was a great band. They broke up way too soon. Consequently, precious little footage exists. its so nice to see this and other clips on KZbin.

[@mustangmooney21]

I still have my single 45 record with this song on it. I have played it so many times over the years and it still plays perfect. One of the greatest songs of all time.

[@roseblake5803]

John Sebastian has a fantastic voice !!!!!

[@callseba]

They were great live! This was really fun to watch. Thanks.

[@sophieamy2320]

I think I believe in magic now.

[@CurtisAlfeld]

I have mutton chops. Yesterday, I was getting processed into the navy, when someone told me I looked like John Sebastian (which was one of many compliments I received for my mutton chops, yesterday).